Owono enduring ‘hardest days of my life’ after De Miguel death

What the report says

FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesus Owono says he is going through the “hardest days of my life” after Tenerife striker Jesus de Miguel died from injuries suffered in a collision during a Spanish second-division match on Monday. Al Jazeera, citing AFP, reported that De Miguel, 30, died on Tuesday after the incident, in which Owono had rushed out to clear an aerial ball. Spanish police sources told AFP that an investigation has been opened under judicial supervision.

In a statement released by Andorra on Wednesday, Owono said he was struggling to process what happened and expressed sympathy for De Miguel’s family and loved ones. The Equatorial Guinea Football Federation also sent him a message of support, while Andorra defender Lautaro Spatz defended him online, saying Owono was deeply affected and would never intentionally harm an opponent.

The death has prompted a wider response across Spanish football. Tenerife and Andorra’s league matches scheduled for the weekend were postponed, and the Spanish football federation suspended all Copa del Rey and Copa de la Reina matches this week as a mark of respect. Tenerife also plans a public tribute at its stadium and a six-day mourning period, while the club’s staff and players are expected to attend De Miguel’s funeral in Navahermosa, in Spain’s Toledo province. UEFA has also held, and plans to continue, moments of silence before Champions League matches this week.